Geneva (AFP) – Swiss voters will decide next month on an initiative to cap the population at 10 million, a proposal that has sparked division among the public. The initiative, titled "No to a Switzerland of 10 million inhabitants," was launched by the Swiss People's Party (SVP), known for its anti-immigration stance. Proponents argue that the current population of 9.1 million is strained by what they term "mass immigration," and they seek to limit the population growth before 2050.
The Swiss government and most political parties oppose the initiative, citing potential negative impacts on the economy and international agreements. Recent polls indicate that support for and against the initiative is nearly equal.
The SVP's proposal includes measures that would restrict immigration if the population exceeds 9.5 million before 2050, and it would terminate Switzerland's freedom of movement agreement with the EU if the population reaches 10 million. This could jeopardize Switzerland's access to the European single market and its participation in EU agreements on security and asylum.
Opponents, including the Greens and Socialists, have labeled the initiative as anti-foreigner, while centrist politicians warn of the economic consequences of a declining working-age population. A study from the University of Geneva suggests that the proposed cap could lead to labor shortages in key sectors reliant on foreign workers, such as hospitality and construction.
The initiative requires more than 50 percent of the popular vote and majority support from the cantons to pass. Foreigners currently comprise 27.4 percent of Switzerland's population, with significant growth attributed to immigration since the introduction of free movement in 2002.
